Representative Ricki Ruiz

Ricki Ruiz is a Democratic state representative serving Oregon House District 50, which encompasses Gresham and East Portland. Born in Portland and raised in Gresham by immigrant parents who worked in agriculture for over 25 years, Ruiz became the first member of his family to graduate from high school and the first to earn a bachelor's degree.

As one of Oregon's youngest state legislators, Ruiz has demonstrated a strong commitment to his community. While still a college student, he co-founded the Rockwood Initiative, a community development project that secured over $100,000 to build futsal courts in his neighborhood.

Education

Ruiz earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Entrepreneurship from Warner Pacific University in 2016, completing his studies after two years at Portland Community College. He was selected to participate in the Act Six program, which provided crucial support and training that helped him navigate higher education as a first-generation college student.

Political Experience

Ruiz's political career began when he was elected to the Reynolds School District Board in 2016 at age 22, making him the youngest elected school board official in the district's history. As a school board member, he focused on creating equitable policies and expanding college-readiness support for all students.

In his current role as State Representative for District 50, Ruiz serves as Co-Chair of the Oregon BIPOC Caucus and holds several committee positions, including Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education, the House Committee on Education, and the House Committee on Early Childhood and Workforce Development. Through these roles, he has successfully secured significant budget allocations, including $5 million for Individual Development Accounts and funding for initiatives focused on water equity, employment-related childcare, and community development projects like the Albina Vision Trust.

His policy priorities include education, housing, immigration, climate action, racial justice, healthcare, and economic development.